Boer War Memorial, Adelaide

The South African War Memorial, commonly known as the Boer War Memorial, is a significant equestrian statue located in Adelaide. This memorial honors the 1,531 South Australians who served in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902, marking the first conflict in which South Australians participated. Of those who served, 59 lost their lives, and their names are inscribed on bronze plaques on each side of the 12-foot granite pedestal.

The granite for the pedestal was sourced from Murray Bridge, a town near Adelaide, and the construction budget of £2,500 was raised through public donations. The memorial was designed by the London-based sculptor Adrian Jones, known for his work on military subjects. While the rider depicted in the statue was not intended to represent any specific soldier, there is evidence that the head of the figure was modeled after George Henry Goodall, a South Australian veteran of the war. Goodall, who served as a Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, advised Jones on the correct portrayal of Australian soldiers' attire and attitude. Despite the facial likeness to Goodall, he modestly insisted that his selection as a model was not due to any particular distinction in his military service.

The memorial was unveiled by the Governor of South Australia, George Le Hunte, on 6 June 1904. Over time, it has become a central feature of the city's Anzac Day commemorations and is recognized as one of Adelaide's most striking and important statues. In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the Boer War Memorial was added to the national heritage listing in 1990.